Connor Barwin bids farewell to Philly, Eagles fans in Instagram post

In the first big official move of the day by the Eagles, they released pass rusher Connor Barwin, a move that will save them $7.75 million in cap space (see story).

Barwin was a highly active member of the Philadelphia community and has made a profound impact on the area he has called home since being signed on March 14, 2013 from Houston. Among many community outreach efforts, Barwin spent a considerable amount of time and money on park projects throughout the city. While his impact on the field will end with the 2016 season, his influence on the city will last for years to come.

Upon his release, Barwin put this message out to Eagles fans on his Instagram page.

View this post on Instagram

Thank you Philadelphia from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me and for being the amazing city you are.Laura and I want to thank Jeffrey Lurie, the entire Eagles organization, and all the fans for their support. It has been an honor and a privilege to play for this historic franchise.The Make The World Better Foundation, will continue it's work to revitalize parks in the city. Our current projects at Smith Playground and Waterloo Playgroundare moving forward and very exciting. I hope to see many of you at our concert this year.I have learned from and cherish every experience I have had in the great city of Philadelphia and every snap I played as an Eagle. From the Lurie's, to my coaches, teammates, mtwb partners, and fellow septa riders thank you! Go Philly, Go Eagles . . . hope to see you in the playoffs!

A post shared by Connor Barwin (@connorbarwin98) on Mar 9, 2017 at 7:08am PST

Once the news of his release hit, an outpouring of support for Barwin came out on social media from his fans and his teammates.

I couldn't ask for a better teammate! @connorbarwin98 has been a leader not only on our team but… https://t.co/JLJU3Womkb
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) March 9, 2017

Couldn't ask for a better teammate and leader @ConnorBarwin98 #foreverbrothers
— fletcher cox (@fcoxx_91) March 9, 2017

The toughest part of this business is to see great people move on. I felt that way about DeMeco Ryans.
Now it's the same with Connor Barwin
— Merrill Reese (@mreeseeagles) March 9, 2017

FIRST CLASS, @ConnorBarwin98, will ALWAYS be an EAGLE!!! Good luck bro, #FlyEaglesFly 💪🏿😎
— Ike Reese (@Ike58Reese) March 9, 2017

Releasing Connor Barwin was absolutely the right football/financial move, but his impact on community was huge. Fans should remember that.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) March 9, 2017

@ConnorBarwin98 this city will miss you. Thanks for everything you did for this city, on the field and off. You are a true professional!
— Mark Murphy (@realmarkmurph) March 9, 2017

Safe to say that wherever Barwin lands, his old teammates will be rooting for him ... unless of course he signs with an NFC East rival.